1995: After appearing opposite Keanu Reeves in "A Walk in the Clouds," Messing books the lead in the short-lived fox sitcom "Ned and Stacey."

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1997: Messing guest-stars on "Seinfeld" as a girlfriend of Jerry's who turns out to be racist.

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1998: Messing appears opposite Sean Hayes, Eric McCormack and Megan Mullally in "Will & Grace." The show becomes a huge hit and touchstone moment for gays on TV. Messing beat out Nicolette Sheridan for the part of Grace.

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2004-05: As "Grace" fever rages, Messing stars in "Along Came Polly" and "The Wedding Date."

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2006: "Grace" ends its run on NBC. The show goes out with a slew of Emmys under its belt, including best comedy series and statues for Messing and Mullally.